Madagascar pardons five political prisoners after reconciliation

Madagascar’s President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on Wednesday pardoned five political prisoners who had got stiff prison sentences for allegedly plotting against his predecessor, who took power in a coup. The five men bore allegiance to former president Marc Ravalomanana and were accused of plotting against the capital city’s ex-mayor Andry Rajoelina, who ultimately toppled Ravalomanana. They include Ravalomanana’s former military adviser Jean Heriniaina Raoelina, who was sentenced to life for the February 2009 massacre of Rajoelina’s supporters in front of the presidential palace during riots that led to Ravalomanana’s ouster.